Lian’s breath hitched as she processed Luminous’s words. Her wolf was certain—Alpha Kaizer was their mate. But how? She felt nothing special toward him. No sparks, no instant connection, nothing like the stories she’d heard about fated mates.
“Luminous, what are you saying? How could he be our mate? I don’t feel anything.” Lian questioned through their mind link.
Luminous huffed. “Then why do you feel safe with him? Why does your heart calm in his presence? It was a year ago when we met her.”
Lian clenched her fists. Maybe it was just relief. After all, he had saved her. He was nothing like Bruce. But could fate be so cruel as to give her another Alpha as a mate?
Kaizer studied her carefully, noting how she’d stopped trembling. It had been a week since he’d found her near the riverbank bordering his pack’s territory. He knew exactly who she was.
Lian Allens, the Luna of the Evergreen Pack.
He had seen her before, a year ago at a gathering, standing beside Bruce. To others, they seemed like a devoted Alpha and Luna, but Kaizer knew better. He had witnessed the truth firsthand.
It was his birthday banquet, and Kaizer had been searching for his mate. Many said that finding one’s fated mate unlocked a werewolf’s true potential. Hopeful, he had invited every pack leader, along with their Betas, in the chance that his mate might be among them.
And she was.
The moment she entered the hall, his wolf, Night, went wild.
“She’s here! Our mate is here!” Night howled excitedly in his mind.
Kaizer turned sharply, his eyes locking onto a petite figure beside Alpha Bruce Allens. A soft floral scent wrapped around him like an intoxicating spell. She was beautiful, but something was wrong.
She did not react.
No widening of the eyes, no recognition—nothing.
Kaizer’s heart clenched. ‘How could she not feel it?’
Determined, he approached.
“Alpha Bruce,” Kaizer greeted, forcing calmness into his voice. “And this is?”
Bruce smirked and placed a possessive hand on the woman’s shoulder. “My Luna, Lian Allens.”
Kaizer stiffened. ‘His wife?’ Night whimpered in pain.
Still, Kaizer studied her closely. Her eyes were downcast, her body unnaturally still. A faint bruise peeked from under the sleeve of her dress—one most would miss, but not him.
Her scent held traces of distress and… fear.
His hands clenched into fists.
Bruce continued speaking, mostly about alliances and trade, but Kaizer barely listened. His focus remained on Lian. She never once looked up, never once spoke.
Beside Bruce, a Beta woman draped herself against him, speaking for him as if she were the true Luna. It irritated Kaizer.
“Beta,” he interrupted coolly. “I wasn’t addressing you.”
The woman stiffened but said nothing further. Kaizer sighed, excused himself, and walked toward the garden for some fresh air.
“Something is wrong, Kaizer. She’s hurting,” Night murmured. “Did you see her eyes? They’re empty.”
Kaizer exhaled sharply. “And what do you expect me to do? She’s married.”
“Then why does she feel so lost? Why can’t she sense our bond?” Night growled. “Something is blocking her from feeling us.”
Before Kaizer could respond, a sharp sound split through the night. A slap.
His entire body tensed. He turned back, and what he saw made his blood boil.
Bruce had just struck Lian across the face. She didn’t fight back. She simply lowered her head, baring her neck in submission.
Kaizer’s vision blurred red.
Bruce’s words dripped with disdain. “How dare you humiliate me in front of Alpha Kaizer? Acting so stupid in front of him. Do you think I didn’t notice as if you’re playing victim!”
The Beta beside Bruce looked smug, a cruel smile playing on her lips.
Lian stood there, silently crying.
Kaizer’s fingers twitched. He wanted to rip Bruce apart. Wanted to take Lian away from him. But he knew he couldn’t—not yet.
But now, seeing her lying in his pack’s infirmary—battered, broken, and in a far worse state than before—Kaizer felt something snap within him.
Bruce would pay.
And not just for Lian.
Kaizer had his own grudges against the Evergreen Pack. Grudges he could no longer ignore.
His sharp gaze softened as he looked at her. “You’re safe now, so don’t worry.”
Lian met his eyes for the first time, uncertainty swirling in her expression. Could she trust him? Was she truly safe?
Kaizer held her gaze, determined. He would protect her, no matter what.
But Lian had one thought echoing in her mind.
‘What happens when Bruce finds out where I am?’
